Flight disruptions from Middle East airspace restrictions affect Northern Ireland travellers. Thousands of flights stand cancelled. UK citizens, including those from Northern Ireland, remain stranded in Gulf countries awaiting evacuation.

EasyJet and British Airways cancelled flights between UK airports and Cyprus. Holidaymakers from Northern Ireland with bookings to affected areas or nearby destinations face uncertainty.

Ian Wilson, managing director at CompareNI.com, stated that travellers should avoid cancelling bookings prematurely. Such actions could forfeit refund rights.

Standard travel insurance policies exclude coverage for cancellations due to war or personal choice not to travel. Coverage applies to serious illness or bereavement.

Travellers qualify for full refunds or alternative arrangements if the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office advises against travel to a destination. Current FCDO warnings cover many Gulf countries.

Travelling against FCDO advice risks invalidating insurance. Specialist high-risk policies exist for certain professionals but not typical holidaymakers.

Wilson recommended close monitoring of FCDO website and airline updates. Changes in advice could trigger airline obligations for refunds or rebookings if flights cancel.